Classification of

Drilling Equipment

April 2013

Rule Note
NR 570 DT R00 E

Marine Division
92571 Neuilly sur Seine Cedex – France
Tel: + 33 (0)1 55 24 70 00 – Fax: + 33 (0)1 55 24 70 25
Marine website: http://www.veristar.com
Email: veristarinfo@bureauveritas.com
 2013 Bureau Veritas - All rights reserved

ARTICLE 1
1.1. - BUREAU VERITAS is a Society the purpose of whose Marine Division (the "Society") is the classi-
fication (" Classification ") of any ship or vessel or structure of any type or part of it or system therein col-
lectively hereinafter referred to as a "Unit" whether linked to shore, river bed or sea bed or not, whether
operated or located at sea or in inland waters or partly on land, including submarines, hovercrafts, drilling
rigs, offshore installations of any type and of any purpose, their related and ancillary equipment, subsea
or not, such as well head and pipelines, mooring legs and mooring points or otherwise as decided by the
Society.
The Society:
• prepares and publishes Rules for classification, Guidance Notes and other documents (“Rules”);
• issues Certificates, Attestations and Reports following its interventions (“Certificates”);
• publishes Registers.
1.2. - The Society also participates in the application of National and International Regulations or Stand-
ards, in particular by delegation from different Governments. Those activities are hereafter collectively re-
ferred to as " Certification ".
1.3. - The Society can also provide services related to Classification and Certification such as ship and
company safety management certification; ship and port security certification, training activities; all activi-
ties and duties incidental thereto such as documentation on any supporting means, software, instrumen-
tation, measurements, tests and trials on board.
1.4. - The interventions mentioned in 1.1., 1.2. and 1.3. are referred to as " Services ". The party and/or its
representative requesting the services is hereinafter referred to as the " Client ". The Services are pre-
pared and carried out on the assumption that the Clients are aware of the International Maritime
and/or Offshore Industry (the "Industry") practices.
1.5. - The Society is neither and may not be considered as an Underwriter, Broker in ship's sale or char-
tering, Expert in Unit's valuation, Consulting Engineer, Controller, Naval Architect, Manufacturer, Ship-
builder, Repair yard, Charterer or Shipowner who are not relieved of any of their expressed or implied
obligations by the interventions of the Society.
ARTICLE 2
2.1. - Classification is the appraisement given by the Society for its Client, at a certain date, following sur-
veys by its Surveyors along the lines specified in Articles 3 and 4 hereafter on the level of compliance of
a Unit to its Rules or part of them. This appraisement is represented by a class entered on the Certificates
and periodically transcribed in the Society's Register.
2.2. - Certification is carried out by the Society along the same lines as set out in Articles 3 and 4 hereafter
and with reference to the applicable National and International Regulations or Standards.
2.3. - It is incumbent upon the Client to maintain the condition of the Unit after surveys, to present
the Unit for surveys and to inform the Society without delay of circumstances which may affect the
given appraisement or cause to modify its scope.
2.4. - The Client is to give to the Society all access and information necessary for the safe and efficient
performance of the requested Services. The Client is the sole responsible for the conditions of presenta-
tion of the Unit for tests, trials and surveys and the conditions under which tests and trials are carried out.
ARTICLE 3
3.1. - The Rules, procedures and instructions of the Society take into account at the date of their
preparation the state of currently available and proven technical knowledge of the Industry. They
are not a standard or a code of construction neither a guide for maintenance, a safety handbook
or a guide of professional practices, all of which are assumed to be known in detail and carefully
followed at all times by the Client.
Committees consisting of personalities from the Industry contribute to the development of those docu-
ments.
3.2. - The Society only is qualified to apply its Rules and to interpret them. Any reference to them
has no effect unless it involves the Society's intervention.
3.3. - The Services of the Society are carried out by professional Surveyors according to the applicable
Rules and to the Code of Ethics of the Society. Surveyors have authority to decide locally on matters re-
lated to classification and certification of the Units, unless the Rules provide otherwise.
3.4. - The operations of the Society in providing its Services are exclusively conducted by way of
random inspections and do not in any circumstances involve monitoring or exhaustive verifica-
tion.
ARTICLE 4
4.1. - The Society, acting by reference to its Rules:
• reviews the construction arrangements of the Units as shown on the documents presented by the Cli-
ent;
• conducts surveys at the place of their construction;
• classes Units and enters their class in its Register;
• surveys periodically the Units in service to note that the requirements for the maintenance of class are
met.
The Client is to inform the Society without delay of circumstances which may cause the date or the
extent of the surveys to be changed.
ARTICLE 5
5.1. - The Society acts as a provider of services. This cannot be construed as an obligation bearing
on the Society to obtain a result or as a warranty.
5.2. - The certificates issued by the Society pursuant to 5.1. here above are a statement on the level
of compliance of the Unit to its Rules or to the documents of reference for the Services provided
for.
In particular, the Society does not engage in any work relating to the design, building, production
or repair checks, neither in the operation of the Units or in their trade, neither in any advisory serv-
ices, and cannot be held liable on those accounts. Its certificates cannot be construed as an im-
plied or express warranty of safety, fitness for the purpose, seaworthiness of the Unit or of its value
for sale, insurance or chartering.
5.3. - The Society does not declare the acceptance or commissioning of a Unit, nor of its construc-
tion in conformity with its design, that being the exclusive responsibility of its owner or builder,
respectively.
MARINE DIVISION
GENERAL CONDITIONS
5.4. - The Services of the Society cannot create any obligation bearing on the Society or constitute any
warranty of proper operation, beyond any representation set forth in the Rules, of any Unit, equipment or
machinery, computer software of any sort or other comparable concepts that has been subject to any sur-
vey by the Society.
ARTICLE 6
6.1. - The Society accepts no responsibility for the use of information related to its Services which was not
provided for the purpose by the Society or with its assistance.
6.2. - If the Services of the Society cause to the Client a damage which is proved to be the direct
and reasonably foreseeable consequence of an error or omission of the Society, its liability to-
wards the Client is limited to ten times the amount of fee paid for the Service having caused the
damage, provided however that this limit shall be subject to a minimum of eight thousand (8,000)
Euro, and to a maximum which is the greater of eight hundred thousand (800,000) Euro and one
and a half times the above mentioned fee.
The Society bears no liability for indirect or consequential loss such as e.g. loss of revenue, loss
of profit, loss of production, loss relative to other contracts and indemnities for termination of oth-
er agreements.
6.3. - All claims are to be presented to the Society in writing within three months of the date when the Serv-
ices were supplied or (if later) the date when the events which are relied on of were first known to the Client,
and any claim which is not so presented shall be deemed waived and absolutely barred. Time is to be in-
terrupted thereafter with the same periodicity.
ARTICLE 7
7.1. - Requests for Services are to be in writing.
7.2. - Either the Client or the Society can terminate as of right the requested Services after giving
the other party thirty days' written notice, for convenience, and without prejudice to the provisions
in Article 8 hereunder.
7.3. - The class granted to the concerned Units and the previously issued certificates remain valid until the
date of effect of the notice issued according to 7.2. here above subject to compliance with 2.3. here above
and Article 8 hereunder.
7.4. - The contract for classification and/or certification of a Unit cannot be transferred neither assigned.
ARTICLE 8
8.1. - The Services of the Society, whether completed or not, involve, for the part carried out, the payment
of fee upon receipt of the invoice and the reimbursement of the expenses incurred.
8.2. Overdue amounts are increased as of right by interest in accordance with the applicable leg-
islation.
8.3. - The class of a Unit may be suspended in the event of non-payment of fee after a first unfruitful
notification to pay.
ARTICLE 9
9.1. - The documents and data provided to or prepared by the Society for its Services, and the information
available to the Society, are treated as confidential. However:
• clients have access to the data they have provided to the Society and, during the period of classifica-
tion of the Unit for them, to the classification file consisting of survey reports and certificates which
have been prepared at any time by the Society for the classification of the Unit;
• copy of the documents made available for the classification of the Unit and of available survey reports
can be handed over to another Classification Society, where appropriate, in case of the Unit's transfer
of class;
• the data relative to the evolution of the Register, to the class suspension and to the survey status of the
Units, as well as general technical information related to hull and equipment damages, are passed on
to IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) according to the association working
rules;
• the certificates, documents and information relative to the Units classed with the Society may be
reviewed during certificating bodies audits and are disclosed upon order of the concerned governmen-
tal or inter-governmental authorities or of a Court having jurisdiction.
The documents and data are subject to a file management plan.
ARTICLE 10
10.1. - Any delay or shortcoming in the performance of its Services by the Society arising from an event
not reasonably foreseeable by or beyond the control of the Society shall be deemed not to be a breach of
contract.
ARTICLE 11
11.1. - In case of diverging opinions during surveys between the Client and the Society's surveyor, the So-
ciety may designate another of its surveyors at the request of the Client.
11.2. - Disagreements of a technical nature between the Client and the Society can be submitted by the
Society to the advice of its Marine Advisory Committee.
ARTICLE 12
12.1. - Disputes over the Services carried out by delegation of Governments are assessed within the
framework of the applicable agreements with the States, international Conventions and national rules.
12.2. - Disputes arising out of the payment of the Society's invoices by the Client are submitted to the Court
of Nanterre, France.
12.3. - Other disputes over the present General Conditions or over the Services of the Society are
exclusively submitted to arbitration, by three arbitrators, in London according to the Arbitration
Act 1996 or any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. The contract between the Society
and the Client shall be governed by English law.
ARTICLE 13
13.1. - These General Conditions constitute the sole contractual obligations binding together the
Society and the Client, to the exclusion of all other representation, statements, terms, conditions
whether express or implied. They may be varied in writing by mutual agreement.
13.2. - The invalidity of one or more stipulations of the present General Conditions does not affect the va-
lidity of the remaining provisions.
13.3. - The definitions herein take precedence over any definitions serving the same purpose which may
appear in other documents issued by the Society.
BV Mod. Ad. ME 545 k - 17 December 2008
 RULE NOTE NR 570

NR 570
Classification of Drilling Equipment

SECTION 1 GENERAL

SECTION 2 DRILLING SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

SECTION 3 SURVEY AND CERTIFICATION

SECTION 4 IN-SERVICE SURVEY

April 2013
 Section 1 General
1 General 5
1.1 Application
1.2 Class notations
2 Involvement of the Society – Limits of Classification 5
2.1 Scope
3 Statutory requirements 5
3.1 General
4 Recognized standards 5
4.1 General
4.2 List of recognized standards
5 New technology 8
5.1 General
6 Symbols and definitions 8
6.1 General
6.2 Definitions

Section 2 Drilling Systems and Equipment

1 General 9
1.1 Application
1.2 Overall safety principles
1.3 Arrangement
1.4 Loads
1.5 Load combinations
2 Hoisting, lifting, rotating and pipe handling systems 10
2.1 Scope
2.2 Drilling structures
2.3 Hoisting and rotating systems
2.4 BOP and pipe handling systems
3 Bulk storage, circulation and transfer systems 13
3.1 Scope
3.2 Bulk storage
3.3 Cementing equipment
3.4 Mud mixing and storage
3.5 Mud circulation
3.6 Mud treatment
3.7 Monitoring of drilling parameters
4 Motion compensation system 14
4.1 General
4.2 Heave compensation
4.3 Tensioning equipment

2 Bureau Veritas April 2013

 5 Marine riser system 14
5.1 Function
5.2 Equipment list
5.3 Technical requirements
5.4 Design and operating limits
6 Well control systems 16
6.1 General
6.2 Blowout preventer (BOP)
6.3 Choke and kill system
6.4 Diverter system
7 Pressure Containing Equipment 18
7.1 General
8 Piping 19
8.1 General
9 Electrical Systems 19
9.1 General

Section 3 Survey and Certification

1 General 20
1.1 Application
1.2 Survey ratings
1.3 Symbols
2 Requirements for survey and certification 21
2.1 General references
3 Inspections at works and during installation 25
3.1 Inspections at works
3.2 Inspections during installation
4 Materials and welding 26
4.1 General

Section 4 In-Service Survey

1 General 27
1.1 Application
1.2 Periodicity
1.3 Normal survey system
1.4 Continuous survey system (CS)
1.5 Risk Based Inspection Plan
2 Surveys of drilling systems 27
2.1 Onshore surveys, modifications and repairs
2.2 Annual surveys
2.3 Class renewal surveys

April 2013 Bureau Veritas 3

4 Bureau Veritas April 2013

SECTION 1 GENERAL
1 General
1.1 Application
1.1.1 The present Note provides requirements for the clas-
sification and certification of drilling systems and associated
equipment.
1.1.2 The present note is primarily intended to apply to drill-
ing systems installed onboard floating offshore units covered
by the Offshore Rules, and having the service notation
drilling, as defined in Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 2 of the Offshore Rules.
Most requirements may however be applied to fixed off-
shore installations.
Note 1: The requirements of the present Note are applicable for all
structural type notations defined in Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 2 of the Off-
shore Rules. These notations cover all types of offshore rigs, such as
drillships, drilling barges, semi-submersible units, jack-up, TLP,
SPAR or other special types of floater.
1.1.3 Offshore units that the equipment complies with the
provisions of the present Note may be granted the addi-
tional class notation DRILL, as defined in [1.2].
1.1.4 The requirements of the present Note are comple-
mentary to the relevant provisions of the Offshore Rules,
which remains applicable except when otherwise specified
in the present Note.
1.2 Class notations
1.2.1 The additional class notation DRILL may be assigned
to floating offshore units fitted with drilling systems and
associated equipment meeting the requirements of the pres-
ent Rule Note.
Note 1: The additional class notation DRILL is optional, but
strongly recommended for all types of offshore rig, so as to allow a
global approach of unit’s safety.
1.2.2 The involvement of the Society and the scope of the
classification relating to the additional class notation
DRILL, are defined in [2].
2 Involvement of the Society – Limits
of Classification
2.1 Scope
2.1.1 The present Rule Note covers the safety aspects of
equipment and systems used in connection with drilling
and temporary well testing activities. The scope of classifi-
cation under the additional class notation DRILL, includes
but is not limited to systems and equipments given as exam-
ple in Tab 1.
April 2013
NR 570, Sec 1
The detailed list of equipment covered by classification will
be defined for each project on a case-by-case basis, taking
into account the specificities of the rig and drilling plant.
2.1.2 Classification of the drilling systems covered by the
present Note requires the following activities:
• design verification,
• survey during fabrication,
• survey during installation and commissioning
• in-service survey.
3 Statutory requirements
3.1 General
3.1.1 Project specifications
Prior to commencement of the review of drawings, the
complete list of Rules, Codes and Statutory Requirements to
be complied with must be submitted for information. This
list is to detail the requirements to be complied with:
• International Rules
• Flag state requirements
• Coastal state requirements
• Owner standards and procedures
• Industry standards
• Classification notations.
3.1.2 Conflict of Rules
In case of conflict between the Classification Rules and any
Statutory Requirements as given by Flag state or Coastal
State, the latter ones are to take precedence over the
requirements of the present Rules.
3.1.3 IMO MODU Code
Compliance with relevant requirements of IMO MODU
Code may be required by Owner, Flag and/or Coastal State.
The Society reserves the right to refer to the requirements in
IMO MODU Code, when deemed necessary.
4 Recognized standards
4.1 General
4.1.1 The requirements of the present note include selected
references to technical standards recognized by the Society,
as well as references to other rules or guidance notes of the
Society.
4.1.2 When a recognized standard is referenced for cover-
ing an equipment, system or arrangement, all applicable
assumptions, requirements and criteria from the concerned
standard are to be applied for the purpose of classification.
Bureau Veritas 5
NR 570, Sec 1

4.1.3 The requirements of [4.1.2] may be waived, provided
that:
• the references of the present note concern only specific
parts of recognized standards
• the Society agrees partial application of referenced stan-
dards.
4.1.4 Combination of requirements from different stan-
dards or rules may be used only after consideration of the
compatibility between submitted documentations, and
where it is considered safe and feasible from the engineer-
ing point of view, at the satisfaction of the Society.
4.1.5 For any conflict between referenced requirements
from recognized standards, or between standards and other
rules of the Society, the Society is to be consulted for clarifi-
cation.

Table 1 : Examples of equipment covered by the additional notation DRILL

System Equipment System Equipment

Drilling structures • derricks Cementing system • cement pump
• masts • cement unit
• drilling towers • piping and transfer lines
• pipe racks or equivalent structures • pulsation dampeners
• other supporting structures (such as • cement hoses
the drill floor) • additives system
• control valves
Hoisting equipment • crown block Drill string heave • accumulators
• travelling block compensation • hydraulic cylinders
• drawworks system (active or • piping (including flexibles)
• drilling hook passive) • pressure vessels
Rotary equipment • rotary table Tensioning system • accumulators
• master bushing • hydraulic cylinders
• topdrive • piping system
• rotary hose • pressure vessels
• tensioning arms
BOP and pipe • horizontal to vertical pipe handling Marine riser system • riser joints
handling equipment systems • telescopic joints and tensioner ring
• BOP crane • ball and flexjoints
• winches • choke, kill and auxiliary lines
• connectors
Dry bulk storage and • pressurized tanks Well control system • Blow-Out Preventer (BOP)
transfer system • piping for pressurized bulk • rams preventers
transport • annular preventers
• air compressor • test stumps
• air dryer • wellhead connector
• control valves • accumulators
• emergency compressor • control pods
• purge air system • acoustic BOP control
• engines • Koomey unit
• Choke and kill system
• Diverter system, including piping
and valves
Mud mixing and • pumps Well test system • burners
circulating facilities • standpipe manifold • flare booms
• pulsation dampeners • piping
• mud hoses • pressure vessels
• safety valves • pumps
• mud agitators Other systems • pressure containing equipment
• mud mixing equipment • pipings
• degasser • electrical systems
• desander • control systems
• desilter
• shale shakers
• drill string

6 Bureau Veritas April 2013


4.2 List of recognized standards
4.2.1 The following standards will be considered for the
purpose of the present note:
a) Drilling structures, derrick:
• API Spec 4F “Drilling and Well Servicing Structures”
• API RP 4G “Maintenance and Use of Drilling and
Well Servicing Structures”
• AISC Manual of Steel Construction - Allowable
Stress Design
b) Well control systems, BOP
• API Spec 16A / ISO 13533 “Drill Through Equipment”
• API Spec 16C “Choke and Kill Systems”
• API Spec 16D “Control Systems for Drilling Well
Control Equipment”
• API Spec 16E “Design of Control Systems for Drill-
ing Well Control Equipment”
• API Spec 6A “Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equip-
ment”
• API RP 53 “Blowout Prevention Equipment Systems
for Drilling Operations”
• ISO 10423 “Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry -
Drilling and Production Equipment - Specification
for valves, wellhead and Christmas tree equipment”
c) Diverter systems
• API RP 64 “Diverter Systems Equipment and Opera-
tions”
• API Spec 6D “Specification of Pipelines Valves”
d) Drilling equipment
• API RP 7-1 “Specification for Rotary Drilling Stem
Elements”
• API Spec 5DP “Specifications for Drill Pipe”
• API Spec 7K “Drilling and Well Servicing Equipment”
• API RP 7L “Procedures for Inspection, Maintenance,
Repair and Remanufacture of Drilling Equipment”
• API RP 7G / ISO 10407 “Petroleum and Natural Gas
Industries - Drilling and Production Equipment -
Drill stem design and operating limits”
e) Hoisting equipment
• API Spec 8A “Drilling and Production Hoisting
Equipment”
• API Spec 8B / ISO 13534 “Inspection, Maintenance,
Repair and Remanufacture of Hoisting Equipment”
• API Spec 8C / ISO 13535 “Drilling and Production
Hoisting Equipment (PSL 1 and PSL 2)”
• API Spec 9A / ISO 10425 “Wire Rope”
• API Spec 9B “Application, Care and Use of Wire
Rope for Oil Field Service”
• API Spec 2C “Offshore Cranes”
• API RP 2D “Operation and Maintenance of Offshore
Cranes”
April 2013 Bureau Veritas
NR 570, Sec 1
f) Marine riser
• API Spec 16F “Specification for Marine Drilling
Riser Equipment”
• API Spec 16R “Marine Drilling Riser Coupling”
• API RP 16Q “Design, Selection, Operation and
Maintenance of Marine Drilling Riser Systems”
• API Bul 16J “Comparison of Marine Drilling Riser
Analyses”
g) Piping
• API RP 14E “Design and Installation of Offshore Pro-
duction Piping Systems”
• ANSI/ASME B31.3 “Chemical Plant and Petroleum
Refinery Piping”
• API RP 17B “Flexible Pipe”
h) Pressure vessels, heat exchangers
• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessels Code
• BS 2790 “Specification for Design and Manufacture
of Shell Boiler of Welded Construction”
• API Std 530 / ISO 13704 “Calculation of Heater
Tube Thickness in Petroleum Rafineries”
• API Std 661 “Air Cooled Heat Exchangers for Gen-
eral Refinery Service”
• BS 2790 “Specification for Design and Manufacture
of Shell Boilers of Welded Construction”
• Tubular Exchangers Manufacturers Association Stan-
dards (TEMA)
i) Risk assessment, hazard analysis
• API RP 14J “Recommended Practice for Design and
Hazard Analysis for Offshore Production facilities”
• EN ISO 17776 “Guidelines on Tools and Techniques
for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment”
j) Electrical and electronic equipment, automation
• IEC 60092-504 “Electrical Installations in Ships”
• IEC 60529 “Degrees of Protection Provided by
Enclosures”
• IEC 60533 “Electrical and Electronic Installations in
Ships - Electromagnetic Compatibility”
• IEC 60945 “Maritime Navigation and Radio Com-
munication Equipment and Systems”
• API RP 500 “Classification of Location for Electrical
Installations at Petroleum Facilities”
k) Other features
• NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 “Material for Use in
H2S Containing Environment in Oil and Gas Pro-
duction”
• API RP 520 “Sizing, Selection and Installation of
Pressure-Relieving Systems in Refineries”
• API RP 521 “Guide for Pressure Relieving and
Depressuring Systems”
• ANSI B2.1 “Pipe Threads”
• EN 10204 “Metallic Products - Type of Inspection
Documents”
• ISO 898-1 “Mechanical properties of fasteners made
of carbon steel and alloy steel - Part 1: Bolts, screws
and studs”
7
NR 570, Sec 1
• ISO 898-2 “Mechanical properties of fasteners made
of carbon steel and alloy steel - Part 2: Nuts with
specified proof load values - Coarse thread”
• ASTM 193 “Alloy Steel and Stainless Steel Bolting
Materials for High Temperature Service”
• IP 15 “Area Classification Code of Petroleum Instal-
lations”
• API RP 14C / ISO 10418 “Petroleum and Natural
Gas Industries - Offshore Production Platforms -
Analysis, Design, Installation and Testing of Basic
Surface Safety Systems”
• ISO 15156 / NACE MR0175 “Sulphite Stress Crack-
ing Resistant Metallic Material”
• ISO 13628-7 “Design and Operation of Subsea Pro-
duction Systems - Completion/Workover Riser Sys-
tems”.
5 New technology
5.1 General
5.1.1 Drilling equipment and systems are to be considered
as new technology when based on a novel technology or an
existing technology used in a new environment, for which
no track record is available.
5.1.2 Prior to the design approval, the qualification of new
technology is to be performed. Following the criticality lev-
els identified by the qualification process for various equip-
ments, the Society reserves the right to apply specific
requirements for classification, based on engineering judge-
ment and references to recognized codes and standards.
5.1.3 The qualification process is to be carried out in
accordance with the methodology and principles of the
guidance note NI 525 “Risk Based Qualification of New
Technology - Methodological Guidelines”.
8 Bureau Veritas
6 Symbols and definitions
6.1 General
6.1.1 Unless otherwise specified, the units, symbols, defini-
tions and reference co-ordinates system given in Pt B, Ch 1,
Sec 2 of the Ship Rules remain applicable.
6.1.2 In addition, specific definitions are given in [6.2].
6.2 Definitions
6.2.1 Ship Rules
Ship Rules means Bureau Veritas Rules for the Classification
of Steel Ships (NR467). The applicable requirements are
those for ships greater than 65 m in length. When reference
is made to Ship Rules, the latest version of these ones is
applicable.
6.2.2 Offshore Rules
Offshore Rules means Bureau Veritas Rules for the Classifi-
cation of Offshore Units (NR445). When reference is made
to the Offshore Rules, the latest version of these ones is
applicable.
6.2.3 IMO MODU Code
MODU Code means the Code for the Construction and
Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 2009 (2009
MODU Code) adopted by Resolution A.1023(26), and sub-
sequent revisions.
6.2.4 BOP
BOP is the acronym of Blow-Out Preventer, which is a well
control equipment used for sealing the well around a pipe
(drill pipe, casing or other types of pipe, depending on the
related operational phase). The sealing of the well is based
on two types of equipment, which are parts of the BOP:
• annular devices
• sealing rams.
April 2013
 NR 570, Sec 2

SECTION 2 DRILLING SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

1 General h) A risk analysis of the design and layout of the equipment

1.1 Application
1.1.1 This section addresses the basic principles for design
and arrangement of drilling systems and equipment.
1.1.2 The requirements given in the present section apply
to all drilling systems and equipment covered by the addi-
tional class notation DRILL, as defined in Sec 1.
1.1.3 The safety principles and requirements for arrange-
ment and layout given in the present section and relating to
global safety of the unit are applicable even when certain
equipment and systems are out of scope of classification,
depending on the class notation which are intended to be
granted.
is to be carried out in order to identify any potential
hazard. As a result of this risk analysis:
1) Unnecessary hazards are to be avoided whenever
practicable though safe design.
2) Hazard mitigation measures are to be defined when-
ever such hazards cannot be avoided through other
means.
1.3 Arrangement
1.3.1 General
Equipment layout and work areas associated with drilling
activities are to be arranged in accordance with the require-
ments [1.3.2] to [1.3.10].

1.1.4 Drilling systems and equipment are to be designed, 1.3.2 Arrangement and layout of the drilling system is to be
manufactured, installed and tested in compliance with the in compliance with applicable BV Offshore Rules and
principles of the present note and recognized industry stan- industry standards.
dards referenced by the present note, as relevant.
1.3.3 Prevention of ignition
1.2 Overall safety principles a) Non hazardous areas are to be segregated from hazard-
ous areas.
1.2.1 Drilling systems and components are to be designed
to minimize risks of hazards to humans, assets and environ- b) Ignition sources are to be segregated from flammable
ment by application of the following principles: sources.

a) No single failure or maloperation is to result in life 1.3.4 Access

threatening situations for the involved personnel, or sig-
nificant damage to the asset or the environment.
b) Indicating instruments providing the necessary informa-
tion for safe operation, control and emergency action,
are to be provided with all equipment.
c) Systems and equipment are to be protected against
loads, pressures, temperatures and speeds exceeding
their design value.
d) Safety systems are to be designed such that the most
probable failure will result in the safest possible situa-
tion (fail to safety).
e) Safety systems are to be effective for situations which
may develop too fast to allow manual corrective
actions.
All equipment necessary to drilling operations is to be
arranged so that it is easily accessible for safe operation and
maintenance.
1.3.5 Dropped objects
Due consideration to the potential for dropped object, espe-
cially resulting from handling operations, is to be given for
the definition of the location of critical equipment.
1.3.6 Drainage
Decks and work areas are to provide efficient drainage for
spillage of all kinds of fluids. Hazardous fluids are to be col-
lected to a dedicated slop tank, segregated from non haz-
ardous ones.

f) Systems and equipment are to be design for a specific 1.3.7 Visibility

design life, not shorter than 20 years as a rule.
g) All safety systems such as emergency shutdown systems
(ESD), fire and gas detection, fire-proof and explosion-
proof systems, are to comply with BV Offshore Rules.
The driller is to have a clear view from the driller’s cabin of
all activities taking place at the drillfloor and within the der-
rick, either directly or by the use of appropriate visual
equipment.

April 2013 Bureau Veritas 9

NR 570, Sec 2

1.3.8 Protection of critical systems 2 Hoisting, lifting, rotating and pipe

Critical systems such as: handling systems
• Electrical cables and trays
• Exhaust and intake ducting pipes
2.1 Scope

• Control and shutdown systems 2.1.1 The hoisting, lifting, rotating and pipe handling sys-
tems typically include the following equipment:
• Well control equipment
• derricks and substructures
• Safety systems (including fire & gas detection, fire-fight-
• hoisting equipment
ing equipment)
• lifting equipment
are to be suitably protected from damage resulting from • BOP handling crane
drilling operation.
• pipe handling equipment
1.3.9 Escape routes • riser handling equipment
a) Escape routes are to comply with MODU Code and • rotary equipment.
applicable requirements of BV Offshore Rules.
2.1.2 Specific requirements are given for each equipment
b) The drill floor is to have at least two direct exits to a safe family in [2.2] to [2.4]. Systems or components for which
place. requirements are not specified in this Rule Note are to be
compliant with the respective standards as described in Sec 1.
c) At least one escape route from the derrick and from the
driller’s cabin is to lead directly to a safe place without
having to cross the drill floor area. 2.2 Drilling structures
2.2.1 General
1.3.10 The equipment arrangement drawings are to indi-
cate the hazardous areas throughout the facility. Requirements for drilling structures cover:
• derrick and substructures
1.4 Loads • drill floor
• flare booms.
1.4.1 All components of the drilling system are to be
designed for the maximum foreseeable load conditions. 2.2.2 Reference
In addition to recognized standards referenced in this Rule
1.4.2 All internal and external loads acting on the drilling Note, drilling structures are to comply with the require-
installation which may adversely affect its integrity are to be ments of Pt B, Ch 3 of the Offshore Rules, which provides
considered. structural requirements for offshore structures.

1.4.3 Loads categories 2.2.3 Derrick and substructure

The following categories of loads are to be considered: The design and fabrication of drilling derrick is to comply
with the requirements of API Spec 4F. In addition, the fol-
• fixed loads lowing are to be considered:
• operational loads a) Fatigue calculations are mandatory; fatigue calculations
• environmental loads are to be carried out based on the provisions of Pt B, Ch 3
of the Offshore Rules, taking into account high cycle
• accidental loads loads and low-cycle loads. Spectral fatigue calculations
• testing loads are recommended, based on the requirements of NR539.

• temporary construction loads. b) Loads due to ice and snow accumulation, when rele-
vant, are to be considered based on the provisions of
Part B of the Offshore Rules; other values based on local
1.5 Load combinations standards may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
c) The effect of vortex shedding is to be evaluated, based
1.5.1 Unless otherwise specified, the drilling installation is
on a method at the satisfaction of the Society.
to be checked for applicable loading combinations for the
following combinations: d) The inertial effects of derrick structure, due to unit’s
movement under environmental loads are to be taken
• operation
into account; relevant accelerations are to be calculated
• waiting on weather (floating installations) based on Part B of the Offshore Rules and other related
Rule documents of the Society.
• survival
e) The height of a continuous ladder inside the derrick is
• transit
not to be above 9 m; rest platforms are to be arranged in
• accidental heel. a suitable position for climbing heights above 9 m.

10 Bureau Veritas April 2013

 NR 570, Sec 2

f) Passages within the derrick are to be secured with a rail-
ing not less than 1 m and with a toe board of at least
100 mm in height.
g) Equipment and components installed on the derrick are
to be secured to prevent falling down.
h) Equipment and components requiring frequent mainte-
nance, such as lubrication, are to be provided with safe
and easy access.
2.2.4 Drilling floor
The drill floor structure is to be designed to withstand the
following loads:
• hook loads
• work winches
• setback area
• rotary loads
• installed equipment and components
• relevant environmental loads
• tensioner loads.
The drill floor structure is to be designed to withstand the
impact load from a falling relevant drill collar from a height
of 1,5 m without exceeding the material yield strength.
The setback area is to be covered with a material preventing
tool joint damages.
The main working area on the drill floor is to be weather
protected.
2.2.5 Flare booms
An operating procedure of flare booms is to be submitted to
the Society. The operation and storage of flare booms, when
relevant, is to be at the satisfaction of the Society.
The structure of flare booms is to comply with the criteria of
Pt B, Ch 3 of the Offshore Rules, or other recognized stan-
dard, taking into account the following loads:
• weight of the structure, equipment and outfitting
• relevant wind loads
• heat loads and pulse loads due to burning
• inertial effects due to unit’s motion under environmental
loads.
A particular attention is to be given to the attachment of
flare booms and to the effect of heating on these attach-
ments.
Vortex shedding effects are to be evaluated, based on a
method at the satisfaction of the Society.
2.3 Hoisting and rotating systems
2.3.1 General requirements
The major components of hoisting systems typically
include:
• drawwork and winches
• crown block
• travelling block
• deadline anchor
• drilling hook
The major components of rotating systems typically
include:
• rotary swivel
• top drive
• rotary table.
The maximum allowable working load is to be determined
by taking into account the working load of the weakest part
of the interrelated system.
2.3.2 Drawworks
The braking capacity of drawworks is to comply with the
following requirements:
• the calculation of braking capacity and the selection of
friction coefficient are to take into account the worst
conditions of mechanical parts
• brakes relying on mechanical frictional brakes are to be
shielded against possible dirt which may unfavourable
affect the performance of the brake
• the capacity of brakes relying on mechanical friction is
to be as follows:
- 200% SWL, for systems where loads are not lowered
by powered descent
- 110% of the sum static braking moment and the
maximum obtainable static moment of the engine,
for systems where loads are lowered by powered
descent
• for electromagnetic brakes, the cooling water system is
to be provided with alarm and flow and temperature
control
• simple cylindrical drums are to be designed such that
the hoop stress will not exceed 0,85 of material yield
strength; the hoop stress is to be calculated based on a
method at the satisfaction of the Society
• the mechanical coupling between the electromagnetic
brake and drawwork drum is to be provided with a
device preventing unintentional disengagement.
2.3.3 Rotary swivels and top drives
Rotary swivel is to keep normal operation and to provide
high pressure sealed channel for drilling fluid, when hang-
ing the drilling stem.
In addition, top drive is to ensure driving and to provide tor-
sional moment on the drilling stem.
2.3.4 Safety devices and instrumentation
Means are to be provided to prevent the traveling block or
top drive from running into the crown block.
The hoisting operation is to be stopped automatically when
an anti-collision system is fitted and a possible collision is
detected.
The automatic hoisting operation is to initiate alarm and
automatically return to fail-safe mode in case of any system
failure.
In case of failure of brake activation system, the hoisting
operation is to be stopped automatically.
The hoisting system is to be equipped with an accessible
emergency stop, independent from the control system. The
emergency stop is also to ensure the safely lowering of the
load.

April 2013 Bureau Veritas 11

NR 570, Sec 2
The drilling console is to be provided with monitoring
devices and alarm for abnormal situations that may lead to
critical failures. The followings are to be indicated on the
drilling console:
• vertical position of hoisting device
• weight of drilling string
• drilling depth and mechanical drilling speed
• revolving speed and torsional moment.
2.4 BOP and pipe handling systems
2.4.1 General requirements
Typical lifting equipment covered are cranes (of all types),
personnel handling devices, specialized automated han-
dling equipment that are used for pipe handling, riser han-
dling, LMRP handling, BOP handling, and for other lifting
activity associated with drilling.
2.4.2 Cranes
Cranes are to comply with relevant requirements of NR526,
applicable for cranes operating in offshore environment.
Alternative technical standards may be accepted on a case-
by-case basis.
2.4.3 BOP handling
The design of BOP carrier or skid and its securing device is
to be consistent with the maximum loads in operation and
survival conditions.
For subsea BOP, consideration is to be given to the effect of
wave slamming and sea current forces on the guideline sys-
tem.
Unless duly justified, it is to be possible to complete emer-
gency manoeuvring within 10 min from the start of the
emergency.
2.4.4 Personnel lifting equipment having a height of
fall above 3 m
Load bearing parts of personnel lifting system are to be
designed with an overall safety factor of two times that for
the same parts of material lifting devices.
The design is to take into account all relevant environmen-
tal loads.
The maximum acceleration of normal or emergency braking
is not to injure or harm the personnel.
Operation control panels are to be situated at convenient
locations. The control handle or equivalent is to return auto-
matically to stop position when not activated. Control pan-
els are to be provided with means against inadvertent
operations.
Load limits are to be clearly marked and are to respect the
SWL taken into account for design.
The breaking strength of ropes is to be at least 10 times
SWL.
The operation outside safe operating limits is to be automat-
ically stopped.
The lowering and hoisting speed is not to exceed 1m/s.
Unless duly justified, it is to be possible to complete emer-
gency manoeuvring within 10 min from the start of the
emergency.
12 Bureau Veritas
2.4.5 Pipe handling equipment - general
Reliable measures are to be provided to prevent uninten-
tional loss of the holding function of grippers and magnets.
Unless duly justified, it is to be possible to complete emer-
gency manoeuvring within 10 min from the start of the
emergency.
The minimum braking strength of all fittings and connec-
tions is to be at least the same as that of the cable, wire rope
or stiff arm to which they are attached. Knots are not to be
used on cable or wire ropes lines.
2.4.6 Tongs
Tongs are to be securely fastened to the derrick or a back-up
post and anchored with wire ropes or stiff arms having a
minimum breaking strength above that of the pulling cable
or chain.
Tongs are to be arranged with safety lines of an adequate
breaking strength.
The breaking strength of all fittings and connections is not
to be less than the minimum breaking strength of the con-
nected cables, wire ropes or stiff arms.
The pressure system on tongs is to be equipped with a safety
relief valve.
A failure of the torsional sensor is not to lead to a critical sit-
uation.
2.4.7 Grippers
Grippers where frictional forces are required are to be
designed to hold 200% SWL by frictional forces in the worst
operational direction. The holding power is to be validated
by testing.
The failure of power is not to lead to the lost of gripper func-
tion. For hydraulic operated grippers, the function is to be
maintained in the event of hose rupture.
2.4.8 Lifting magnets
Lifting magnets are to be designed to hold 300%SWL at
normal operating conditions.
Lifting magnets are to be provided with means for proper
contact with the pipe.
Where standby power is necessary, alarm is to be given in
case of standby power failure.
2.4.9 Horizontal handling of pipes
The design of horizontal handling equipment is to take into
account all loads including inertial loads due to unit’s
movements.
During handling, means are to be provided to restrict the
access to the operating area by warnings.
2.4.10 Vertical handling of pipes
Suitable devices are to be provided to secure pipes, collars,
tubing and casing possibly placed on derrick.
Storage racks are to be designed of fitted with suitable
devices to prevent accidental release of piping or tubing.
Measures are to be provided to have sufficient clearance in
order to avoid accidental collisions during operations.
April 2013
 NR 570, Sec 2

3 Bulk storage, circulation and transfer 3.4.4 The total volume of drilling fluids tanks is to satisfy
the requirements of the intended drilling program.
systems

3.1 Scope 3.5 Mud circulation

3.1.1 The present item gives the applicable requirements 3.5.1 Drilling fluids circulation system generally comprises
for bulk storage, drilling fluids circulation, mixing, cement- the following equipment:
ing and transfer systems. • high pressure mud pumps
• discharge manifolds, lines and valves
3.1.2 Such systems generally consist of the following
equipment: • pulsation dampeners
• dry bulk storage tanks and associated piping • charge pumps
• bulk transfer system • control and monitoring.
• mud mixing and circulation facilities
3.5.2 The high pressure muds pumping system is to be
• cementing equipment.
capable of delivering all drilling fluids in normal use at the
pressures and volumes specified by the intended drilling
3.2 Bulk storage program.

3.2.1 Bulk storage tanks are to be equipped with safety
valves or rupture disks. The use of rupture disks is to be lim-
ited to bulk storage tanks in open areas.
3.2.2 Safety valves ventilated to open areas are to be used
in the case of bulk storage tanks in enclosed areas.
Due consideration should be given to inspectability of such
valves.
3.2.3 Enclosed bulk storage areas are to be sufficiently ven-
tilated to avoid pressure buildup in the event to break or
leak in the air supply system.
3.2.4 All bulk tanks are to be fitted with high level alarms.
3.3 Cementing equipment
3.3.1 A cementing system typically includes the following
equipment:
• cementing pumps
• pulsation dampeners
• safety valves
• centrifugal pumps
• associated piping.
3.3.2 When the cementing pump is used as means of emer-
gency situation, facilities for transferring mud to the
cementing system are to be provided.
In this case, the mud supply pump is to be capable of being
supplied by an emergency power.
3.4 Mud mixing and storage
3.4.1 The mud tank volume is to be sufficient to replace
100% of the hole volume, including the riser if applicable,
in all operational modes.
3.4.2 All tanks are to be fitted with suitable agitators so as
to prevent settling of mud.
3.5.3 High pressure mud pumps are to be fitted with pulsa-
tion dampeners and safety relief valves set at not more than
the maximum allowable working pressure of the systems.
Mud relief lines from safety valves are to be self-draining.
3.6 Mud treatment
3.6.1 The mud treatment system generally includes the fol-
lowing equipment:
• shale shakers
• degassers
• desanders
• desilters
• piping.
3.6.2 Degassers and mud-gas separators are to be vented to
a safe location.
3.6.3 Spaces containing shale shakers, drilling fluids tanks,
fluids/gas separators are to be secured in order to avoid
exposure of the personnel to toxic substances.
3.7 Monitoring of drilling parameters
3.7.1 Monitoring of the system as per [3.7.2] is to be pro-
vided in order to detect abnormal conditions potentially
leading to critical failures.
3.7.2 The following parameters are to be monitored at the
drilling console, as applicable:
• mud pump discharge pressure and rate
• weight of mud entering and leaving the borehole
• gas content in the mud
• difference in volume between the drilling fluid dis-
charged and returned to the unit, corrected for platform
movements as applicable.

3.4.3 The mud tanks are to be entirely covered and venti- 3.7.3 Alarms are to be triggered in case of abnormal condi-
lated. Hatches for inspection are to be provided. tions.

April 2013 Bureau Veritas 13

NR 570, Sec 2

4 Motion compensation system 4.2.5 Power failure should not lead to critical failure.

4.2.6 Special attention is to be given to fully active systems,

4.1 General where a single component failure may lead to complete
failure of the system. In such cases, additional safety mea-
4.1.1 Article [4] is applicable to drilling plants on floating
sures have to be defined.
Offshore Units.
4.2.7 Hydraulic cylinders are to be designed both for inter-
4.1.2 The overall requirements for motion compensation
nal pressure loads and for loads resulting from their use as
equipment for floating drilling units are given in [4.2] and
structural members.
[4.3].

4.1.3 The motion compensation equipment generally com- 4.2.8 Flow restriction means in both directions are to be
prises the following items: provided on the compensators in order to protect against
high velocity of pressurised fluid in case of hose rupture.
• drill string compensation equipment, active or passive
• drilling riser tensioning equipment 4.3 Tensioning equipment
• air pressure vessels 4.3.1 Function
• control and monitoring. The primary function of the riser tensioning system is to
apply vertical force to the top of the marine riser to control
4.1.4 Air control panels and accumulators are to be fitted its stresses and displacements, and maintain a nearly con-
with safety valves and the corresponding air relief lines from stant axial tension to the riser during vertical and horizontal
safety valves are to be self-draining. motions of the floating unit.
4.1.5 Compressed air may only be used with non-combus- 4.3.2 Equipment list
tible hydraulic fluids. A riser tensioning system typically includes:
4.1.6 Condition of the system is to be monitored at the • air compressors
drilling console in order to detect abnormal conditions • air dryers
potentially leading to critical failures. • control panels
Alarm is to be initiated for abnormal conditions. • air vessels
As a rule, the following parameters should be monitored: • pneumatic/hydraulic accumulators
• position of cylinder pistons • hydraulic cylinders
• fluid level of leakage tank • sheaves
• leakage level. • wire ropes.

4.2 Heave compensation 4.3.3 Unless otherwise specified in this Rule Note, tension-
ing equipment is to comply with the applicable require-
4.2.1 Function ments of API RP 16Q.
The heave compensation system is to be designed to elimi-
nate the heave motion of the drill string on a floating unit 4.3.4 The setting of the minimum tension of the system is to
for the purpose of keeping drilling well pressure constant guaranty the structural stability of the riser.
and/or smoothly landing blowout preventer stack or casing.
4.3.5 The tensioning system is to be designed such that, in
4.2.2 Equipment list case of unavailability of one tensioner subsequent to unex-
The heave compensation system mainly consists of the fol- pected failure or maintenance, the remaining tensioners are
lowing items: capable of providing the required minimum tension to the
• air compressors riser.
• air dryers 4.3.6 Flow restriction device is to be fitted on the line
• air cylinders between fluid port of each tensioner and its respective
• pneumatic and hydraulic accumulators air/oil interface bottle.
• hydraulic cylinders and telescopic arms 4.3.7 For deepwater drilling and./or dynamic positioned
• control panels units, the system is to prevent recoil of the drilling riser in
• wire ropes and sheaves. case of emergency disconnection.

4.2.3 A single component failure in passive heave compen-

sation system shall not result in the complete failure of the 5 Marine riser system
system.
5.1 Function
4.2.4 For combined active and passive compensation sys-
tem, the failure of the active part is not to result in the over- 5.1.1 The marine riser system connects the BOP stack to
all failure of the system. the drilling unit.

14 Bureau Veritas April 2013

 NR 570, Sec 2

The main function of the marine riser system are to: 5.3.5 Riser joints and couplings
• provide a channel for fluid flow between the floating Riser joints are large diameter, high strength pipes, with
drilling unit and the wellhead couplings welded to each end, which are coupled together
• support the kill, choke and auxiliarylines on the drill floor and lowered into the water.
• guide the entry of drilling tools into well and service for The string of riser joints is the main component of the riser
deployment system and is used to perform the functions described in
[5.1.1].
• serve as running and retrieving string for blowout pre-
venters. Inside diameter is to be compatible with the intended cas-
ing program.
5.1.2 All equipment listed in [5.1.1] is to comply with Strength is to be assessed and documented as per [5.4].
applicable sections of API Spec 16F, API RP 16Q and API
Spec 16R. 5.3.6 Flex/ball joint
Flexible/ball joints allow angular misalignment between
5.2 Equipment list riser and BOP stack and/or between riser and floating unit,
thereby limiting the bending moment applied to the riser.
5.2.1 It generally comprises the following components:
The following parameters are to be considered for the selec-
• tensioner system tion or the design of a flexible/ball joint:
• diverter system • position on the riser
• telescopic joint (slip joint) • maximum angular rotation and maximum rotational
• riser joints stiffness
• couplings • maximum tensile load and maximum torque
• flexible/ball joints • pressure rating.
• choke, kill and auxiliary lines 5.3.7 Choke, kill, and auxiliary lines
• lower marine riser package (LMRP) These lines carry fluids along the riser and most of the time
• buoyancy equipment are integral part of riser joints.
• riser running equipment Such lines include:
• specialty equipment. • choke/kill lines
• mud boost lines
5.3 Technical requirements • hydraulic supply lines
5.3.1 General • air inject lines (in case of use of buoyancy cans).
Except otherwise specified in this Rule Note, the marine The following parameters are to be considered for the
riser system is to be designed and constructed in accor- design of these lines:
dance with the following standards: • Type of fluid to be carried. Care is to be taken to avoid
• API RP 16Q galvanic interaction with riser joint steel components
• API Spec 16R when corrosion resistant materials are used for hydrau-
lic lines.
The marine riser system is to be designed such that:
• Operating pressures:
• the maximum stress intensity for all operating modes is
- for hydraulic supply lines, the working pressure rat-
not exceeded
ing is to be compatible with that of the BOP control
• the maximum stress, fatigue resistance, deflection and system
buckling are considered in the design
- for mud boost lines, the pressure rating is to be suit-
• the lateral deflection during normal drilling operations able for the intended service
does not interfere with the passage of downhole tools. - for choke/kill lines, the pressure rating is to be the
5.3.2 Tensioner system same as that of the BOP stack.
The applicable requirements for tensioner system are given 5.3.8 Lower marine riser package (LMRP)
in [4.3]. The requirements for Lower Marine riser Package (LMRP)
are given in [6.2].
5.3.3 Diverter system
The applicable requirements for diverter system are given in 5.3.9 Buoyancy equipment
[6.4]. Buoyancy equipment may be attached to the riser joints in
order to reduce the riser top tension requirements.
5.3.4 Telescopic joint (slip joint)
The telescopic joint is to have a stroke of sufficient length to Such equipment should not compromise bending of the
compensate the combined expected heave, vessel offset, riser and storage of the riser joints.
tidal change, and maximum anticipated vessel excursion in Due consideration is to be given to maintainability of such
the event of stationkeeping failure. devices, which is to be carried out onboard.

April 2013 Bureau Veritas 15

NR 570, Sec 2

5.3.10 Riser running equipment 5.4.6 Riser operating manual

Riser running equipment mainly consists of handling tools The operating envelope for the marine riser system
for hoisting and lowering the riser and BOP stack and riser described in [5.4.2] is to be indicated in the operating man-
spider supporting the riser and BOP stack while being run ual of the marine riser system, which is to include at least:
or retrieved. • riser system components manufacturer’s drawings indi-
The design of such equipment is to take due consideration cating critical parameters such as size and weight
of the following parameters: • load rating of critical components, as stated by the man-
• maximum static loading ufacturer
• rated internal and collapse pressures of the riser and
• dynamic loads induced by vessel motions and environ-
integral lines
ment
• inspection and maintenance procedure for each compo-
• bending loads during riser running operations
nent
• impact loads. • procedure for running and retrieving the riser
• procedure for establishing maximum and minimum ten-
5.4 Design and operating limits sion settings
• operating limits and emergency procedures
5.4.1 Operating modes
• a accurate log of operating history
The following three operating modes are to be considered
for riser design: • list of recommended spare parts
a) drilling mode • criteria for cutting an slipping tensioner lines.

b) connected nondrilling mode

6 Well control systems
c) disconnected mode.

5.4.2 Operating envelope

6.1 General
An operating envelope covering the operating modes 6.1.1 Well control systems generally consist of the follow-
defined in [5.4.1] is to be established. This envelope is to ing equipment:
include as a minimum: • Blow-out preventer (BOP)
• the limitations in terms of vessel offset and/or ball/flex • Choke and kill system
joint angles, vessel motions, lateral deflection of the
• Diverter system
riser or any combination thereof, or any other limitation
on the system, which, if exceeded, will necessitate sus- • Marine riser system.
pending operations and disconnecting the marine riser
from the blowout preventer stack 6.2 Blowout preventer (BOP)
• the effects of various combinations of tension, mud den- 6.2.1 General
sity, water depth and environmental loads, or any com-
The working-pressure rating of each BOP component must
bination thereof, and any other variable affecting riser
exceed maximum anticipated surface pressures.
performance, and the optimum tension which should be
used for the various factors affecting the riser perfor- Stack configurations should generally be in accordance
mance under various operating scenarios. with API RP 53.
The BOP stack is to be designed so as to allow fluids and
5.4.3 Monitoring gases to be conducted out of the system and fluids pumped
The marine riser system is to be suitably instrumented and into the system.
monitored to ensure safe and reliable performance.
6.2.2 Surface BOP
Riser monitoring instrumentation typically includes:
When drilling with a surface BOP stack, the BOP system is
• riser angle indicators to be installed before drilling below surface casing.
• hole position indicators The surface BOP stack is to include at least the following
• tensioner pressure gauges four components:
• video cameras. • one annular preventer
• two BOP’s equipped with pipe rams with mechanical
5.4.4 Disconnecting locking device
Apart from normal disconnecting, emergency disconnecting • one BOP equipped with blind shear rams, capable of
equipment is to be fitted to the riser for quick release in shearing the drillpipe in the hole.
uncontrollable unit displacement so as to avoid damage to
the unit and risers. 6.2.3 Subsea BOP
Subsea BOP stack is to include at least the items defined in
5.4.5 Riser global analysis [6.2.2]. Additional requirements relating to the redundancy
Marine drilling riser system is to be verified through global of the protection may be defined on a case-by-case basis,
riser analysis. taking into account the specificities of the installation.

16 Bureau Veritas April 2013

 NR 570, Sec 2

6.2.4 Control and monitoring 6.3.3 Choke and kill systems, manifolds, arrangements and
a) As a rule, the control systems and components are to associated components are to be in compliance with the
comply with API Spec 16D and the additional require- following standards, in addition to the requirements of the
ments b) to f). present Rule Note:

b) At least two independent control systems are to be pro- • API Spec 6A

vided: • API Spec 16C
• one station must be located at the driller floor
• API Spec 16F
• the second system is to be located away from the
drill floor in a readily accessible location. • API Spec 16D
c) The control panels are to include controls for at least the • API RP 53.
following functions:
• diverter 6.3.4 Design principles

• close or open all rams, annular preventers and In addition to the standards mentioned in [6.3.3], choke
choke and kill valves at BOP manifolds and choke and kill lines are to be designed in
accordance with good engineering practice with due con-
• emergency disconnection of riser connector for DP
sideration for:
units.
• maximum and minimum anticipated pressures,
d) The control panels should clearly indicate by appropri-
ate means the status of each BOP (open or closed). In • the abrasive nature of well fluids,
addition, indication of the available hydraulic pressure
• the dynamic forces caused by the flow of well fluids,
is to be given.
e) Visual and/or audible alarms are to be fitted for the fol- • any other phenomena caused by the flow of well fluids
lowing: including vibrational stresses, pressure pulsation and
temperature variations.
• low accumulator pressure
• loss of power supply 6.3.5 Choke and kill manifold
• low levels of control fluid in the storage tanks. a) Design pressure: The design pressure of the high pres-
f) The control systems are to be protected from the drill sure side of the choke and kill manifold is to be at least
floor or cellar deck, and are to be accessible from the the same as the design pressure of the BOP stack.
drill floor and from the outside.
b) The maximum and minimum design temperatures of the
choke and kill manifold are to be specified. Due consid-
6.3 Choke and kill system eration to Joule-Thomson effects is to be given when
determining design temperatures of choke and kill man-
6.3.1 Function ifold and downstream piping and components.
a) The main function of choke manifolds is to discharge
pressure in well bore at controllable rate or fully stop c) The choke and kill manifold assembly is to include the
flow of fluid. following:

b) The main function of kill lines is to pump drilling fluids 1) a minimum of 3 chokes, with at least one of which
into the well or annular space when BOP rams are remotely controlled and one manual. It is to be pos-
closed during well control operations. sible to isolate and change any choke while the
manifold is in use
6.3.2 Description
2) one valve for each of the outlet and inlet lines, so
Choke and kill system typically includes the following com-
that lines to and from the manifold can be isolated
ponents:
• choke and kill manifolds, including 3) where high pressure and low pressure interfaces, in
the manifold system, two valves in series are to be
- chokes
installed.
- flanges and valves
d) The choke and kill manifold is to be configured so that
- spools
drilling fluid may be pumped into the well through either
• choke and kill lines the choke or the kill line and simultaneously circulated
• connectors and flexible lines out of the well through the other choke or kill line.
- jumper lines at LMRP e) The choke and kill manifold is to be capable of directing
- drape hoses at moonpool area the flow from any choke:
• BOP stack valves 1) through mud-gas separation equipment and subse-
• connecting piping quently to the mud pits
• buffer tanks 2) through a fixed piping arrangement leading directly
• control systems. overboard (overboard lines, port and starboard).

April 2013 Bureau Veritas 17

NR 570, Sec 2
6.3.6 Choke and kill lines
a) Design pressure: The design pressure of choke and kill
lines including connections, valves, etc, is to be at least
the same as the design pressure of the BOP stack.
b) Choke and kill piping is to be designed to avoid erosion-
caused by the flow of well fluids. Changes in direction
are to be avoided as much as possible. When such
changes cannot be avoided, targeted tees or elbows
and/or long radius elbows (20 times or more the pipe
diameter) should be used.
c) Each choke and kill line from the BOP stack to the
choke manifold is to be fitted with two valves installed
on the BOP stack.
1) For subsea BOP stack, these two valves are to be
arranged for remote hydraulic operation.
2) For surface BOP stack, only one of the valves is to be
arranged for remote hydraulic operation.
6.3.7 Control and monitoring
a) The choke control station, whether at the choke mani-
fold or remote from the rig floor, is to be easily accessi-
ble and is to include all monitors necessary to provide
an overview of the well control situation.
b) All valves are to be provided with “open” and “close”
indicators.
c) Any remotely operated valve or choke is the be
equipped with an emergency backup power source.
6.4 Diverter system
6.4.1 General
Diverter system and equipment typically includes:
• annular sealing device
• vent outlets
• valves
• power unit and piping
• control system.
6.4.2 The diverter system is to comply with the require-
ments of API RP 64, API RP 53, API Spec 16D and the
requirements below.
6.4.3 A diverter with a securing element for closing around
the drill string in the hole is to be provided to divert well-
bore fluids away from the rigfloor in case of shallow gas
event.
6.4.4 The diverter system is to be capable of withstanding
the maximum anticipated combination loads both static
and dynamic, resulting from the flow of gas and liquid.
18 Bureau Veritas
6.4.5 Diverter piping
The overboard diverter lines are to:
a) be installed to permit fluid flow to be directed to at least
two opposite sides of the installation
b) be installed as straight as possible and be securely tied
down
c) have a nominal diameter of not less than 10in (254mm)
d) be designed to allow for the erosive effect of solids
entrained in the fluid flow, when changes in direction
cannot be avoided
e) terminate to the atmosphere beyond the structure of the
installation
f) have a downward slope from the diverter valves.
6.4.6 Diverter valves
The diverter valves are to be of full opening and full bore
type.
6.4.7 Control system
a) The diverter control system and components is to com-
ply with the applicable requirements of API RP 64, API
RP 53 and API Spec 16D.
b) The diverter control system is to be of a hydraulic type
and is to be arranged such that all operations to close
the diverter and the shale shaker discharge line and
open the diverter vent line are accomplished by activat-
ing a single function on the diverter control panel.
c) The diverter system is to be controlled from two loca-
tions: one being located near the driller’s console and
the other at a readily accessible location away from the
well activity area and reasonably protected from
mechanical damage due to drilling activities on the drill
floor.
d) Any remotely operated valve is to be equipped with an
emergency backup power source.
7 Pressure Containing Equipment
7.1 General
7.1.1 Pressure containing equipment is to comply with the
requirements of Pt C, Ch 1, Sec 3 of the Offshore Rules.
Alternatively or for systems not covered by the Offshore
Rules, the following standards are to be used:
• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessels Code
• BS 2790 “Specification for Design and Manufacture of
Shell Boiler of Welded Construction”
• API Std 530 / ISO 13704 “Calculation of Heater Tube
Thickness in Petroleum Rafineries”
• API Std 661 “Air Cooled Heat Exchangers for General
Refinery Service”
• BS 2790 “Specification for Design and Manufacture of
Shell Boilers of Welded Construction”
• Tubular Exchangers Manufacturers Association Stan-
dards (TEMA).
April 2013
 NR 570, Sec 2

8 Piping 9 Electrical Systems

8.1 General 9.1 General

8.1.1 Piping is to comply with the requirements of Pt C, Ch
1, Sec 7 of the Offshore Rules. Alternatively or for piping
not covered by the Offshore Rules, the following standards
are to be used:
• API RP 14E “Design and Installation of Offshore Produc-
tion Piping Systems”
• ANSI/ASME B31.3 “Chemical Plant and Petroleum
Refinery Piping”
• API RP 17B “Flexible Pipe”.
9.1.1 Electrical equipment is to comply with the require-
ments of Pt C, Ch 2 and Ch 3 of the Offshore Rules. Alterna-
tively or for equipment not covered by the Offshore Rules,
the following standards are to be used:
• IEC 60092-504 “Electrical Installations in Ships”
• IEC 60529 “Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclo-
sures”
• IEC 60533 “Electrical and Electronic Installations in
Ships - Electromagnetic Compatibility”
• IEC 60945 “Maritime Navigation and Radio Communi-
cation Equipment and Systems”
• API RP 500 “Classification of Location for Electrical
Installations at Petroleum Facilities”.

April 2013 Bureau Veritas 19

NR 570, Sec 3

SECTION 3 SURVEY AND CERTIFICATION

1 General 1.1.3 When the manufacurer holds a valid product design

approval certificate issued by the Society, full or partial
exemptions of the design review required by the present
1.1 Application
Rule Note may be foreseen for classification.

1.1.1 The present Section provides specific requirements

for the survey and certification of drilling equipment. The
requirements of the present section are complementary to
the requirements of NR266 “Survey of Materials and Equip-
ment at Works for the Classification of Ships and Offshore
Units”, that the principles apply for the purpose of the
present Rule Note.
1.1.2 For obtaining certificates issued by the Society and
undertaken for classification purpose, the manufacturer of
the equipment is to submit relevant documentation required
in the present Rule Note. Relevant documentation for
design review, consistent with the requirements of Sec 2, is
to be included.
1.1.4 The Society reserves the right to modify the require-
ments of the present Rule Note, to formulate new ones or to
change their application in order to take into account the
particulars of a given construction, as well as local circum-
stances.
1.2 Survey ratings
1.2.1 Survey ratings definition
Three survey ratings are defined for the purpose of the
present Rule Note. Their meaning and scope of survey are
given in Tab 1.

Table 1 : Survey ratings

Survey rating Definition Scope of survey Requested certificates

A1 Equipment and components rated A1 • design approval (review of drawings, specifi- • product certificates
are to be certified as having been cations and calculation notes) (1) of the Society
designed, built and supplied in accord- • traceability of materials and review of mill • manufacturer’s
ance with the applicable Rules, stand- certificates product certificates
ards and design specifications. The A1 • review of welders and NDT operators quali-
certification includes: fications
• design review • forming, heat treating, welding, NDT and
• survey during construction other fabrication or testing qualifications
• completion inspections and tests • survey of the fabrication and witnessing of
• examination of manufacture NDT at random
records. • witnessing of tests (such as hydraulic tests)
• assessment of manufacturer’s QA/QC dossier
(2)
• endorsement of a final inspection report for
each different item
A2 The certification of A2 rated compo- • design approval or independent design • product certificates
nents includes: checks of the Society
• design review • review of vendor’s test reports and certifi- • manufacturer’s
• completion inspections and tests. cates product certificates
• witness of tests.
A3 A3 rated equipment is accepted on the • review of manufacturer product certificates • manufacturer’s
basis of valid product certificates • review of type approval certificates, when product certificates
relevant
• review of documentation issued by inde-
pendent inspection body, when relevant.
(1) For type approved components, the certificate is to be submitted; specifications are to be sent for information
(2) The actual level of survey at the construction works will be agreed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the level of rel-
evant QA involvement and inspection.

20 Bureau Veritas April 2013

 NR 570, Sec 3

1.3 Symbols • “W” indicates that a manufacturer certificate is

required, stating the results of performed tests and/or
1.3.1 Symbols defined in the present Section are consistent compliance with the approved type, as applicable.
with the definitions of NR266, Sec 1. The following symbols
are used for certification:
• “C” indicates that a product certificate of the Society is
2 Requirements for survey and
required, with invitation of the Surveyor to attend the certification
tests unless otherwise agreed, in addition to the manu-
facturer’s document stating the result of the test per- 2.1 General references
formed and/or compliance with the approved type, as
applicable
2.1.1 The requirements for survey and certification of drill-
Note 1: An alternative survey scheme (mode I) may be agreed by ing equipment, taking into account the defined survey rat-
the Society with the manufacturer whereby the attendance of
ings, are given in Tab 2.
the Surveyor will not be required as indicated above. Accord-
ingly, the product is covered by a Certificate for Alternative Sur-
vey (“CA”) delivered by the Society. The appropriate required 2.1.2 Additional requirements for pressure vessels and pip-
documents and information are detailed in the procedures ing and their components are given in Tab 3 and Tab 4.
stated in the agreement for admission to the alternative survey These requirements are to be used with respect to NR266,
scheme. when relevant.

Table 2 : Survey and certification of drilling equipment

Survey rating
Certificate
Drilling equipment
type
A1 A2 A3
Derrick X C and W
Drilling hook X C and W
Drawworks and their foundation X C and W
Crane in derrick X C and W
Casing stabbing arrangement X C and W
Air winches X C and W
Dead line anchor X C and W
Derrick and hoisting
Traveling block X C and W
equipment in derrick
Crown block including supports X C and W
Sheaves X C and W
Guide track and dolly X C and W
Swivel X C and W
Elevators X W
Drilling line, sand line X W
Links X W
Compensator X C and W
Piping and hoses X C and W
Air cylinders X C and W
Hydro-pneumatic accumulator X C and W
Heave compensation system Compressors X W
Air dryers X W
Sheaves X W
Control panel X W
Wire ropes X W

April 2013 Bureau Veritas 21

NR 570, Sec 3

Drilling equipment
Mud/drilling fluids circulation
and transfer system
Cementing system
Survey rating
Certificate
type
A1 A2 A3
Drilling fluid pump X C and W
Pulsation dampers X C and W
In-well piping for mud X C and W
Kelly cocks X C and W
Strandpipe manifold X C and W
Rotary hose and end connection X C and W
Mixing pumps X C and W
Non-return valves - ball valves - for drilling X C and W
string
Safety valves X C and W
Gas separator for drilling fluid X C and W
Degasser and piping for burners or vents X C and W
Centrifugal mixing pumps X W
Piping for mixing drilling fluid X W
Suction line to drilling fluid pumps X W
Mud return pipe X W
Circulation head X W
Desander and desilter X W
Chemical mixers X W
Agitators X W
Shale shakers X W
Mud/drilling fluids tanks (independent) X W
Drilling fluid supply tank X W
Trip tanks X W
Cement pump X C and W
Cement manifold X C and W
Cementing pump discharge piping X C and W
Pulsation dampers X C and W
Safety valves X C and W
Piping for mixing cement X W
Suction lines to cement pumps X W
Support ring for riser tensioner X C and W
Marine riser connectors X C and W
Telescopic joints X C and W

Marine riser and its control
system
Riser sections including joints X C and W
Flexible joint and ball joint X C and W
Accumulators X C and W
Control panel X W

22 Bureau Veritas April 2013


Drilling equipment
Rotary equipment
Pipe handling equipment
Riser tensioning system
Electrical equipment
Bulk storage and transfer
equipment
Choke and kill system
April 2013
NR 570, Sec 3
Survey rating
Certificate
type
A1 A2 A3
Rotary table, skid adaptor and driving unit X C and W
Top drive X C and W
Kelly X W
Master bushing X W
Kelly bushing X W
Pipe handling crane X C and W
Manoeuvring arm X C and W
Racking arm with lifting head X C and W
Horizontal to vertical equipment X C and W
Finger board X W
Catwalk X W
Mousehole X W
Riser tensioner X C and W
Hydro-pneumatic accumulator X C and W
Air cylinders X C and W
Telescopic arms for tension lines X C and W
Guidelines, podline tensioners X C and W
Piping X C and W
Air dryers X W
Air compressors X W
Wire ropes X W
Sheaves for riser tension lines X W
Sheaves for guideline and podline X W
Control panel X W
Transformers X C and W
Electrical engines above 50 kW X C and W
VFD, SRC and MCC systems X C and W
Pressurized storage tanks X C and W
Piping for pressurized bulk products X C and W
Valves for pressurized piping X C and W
Choke manifold X C and W
Choke manifold piping X C and W
Piping for choke, kill and booster lines X C and W
Flexible hoses for choke, kill and booster X C and W
lines
Valves for choke, kill and booster lines X C and W
Union and swivel joints X C and W
Emergency circulation pumps X C and W
Bureau Veritas 23
NR 570, Sec 3

Survey rating
Certificate
Drilling equipment
type
A1 A2 A3
Diverter body with annular valve X C and W
Diverter piping X C and W
Diverter
Valves in diverter piping X C and W
Diverter control panel X W
Annular preventer X C and W
Ram preventer X C and W
Hydraulic connector for wellhead X C and W
Accumulators for subsea stack X C and W
Blow-Out Preventer (BOP)
Subsea fail-safe valves in choke and kill X C and W
lines
Clamp X C and W
Test stump X C and W
Acoustic BOP control equipment X C and W
Accumulators in control system X C and W
Hydraulic power unit (HPU) X C and W
Welded pipes and manifolds X C and W
BOP control equipment -
Unwelded hydraulic piping X W
Koomey unit
Flexible hoses X W
Hose reel X W
Control pods X W
Control panels X W
BOP handling crane X C and W
BOP carriage equipment X C and W
BOP handling equipment
Guide frames X C and W
Wire ropes X W
Flare boom X C and W
Burner X C and W
Kelly spiner X W
Miscellaneous equipment
Power slips X W
Power tong for pipe handling X W
Single joint elevator X W

24 Bureau Veritas April 2013

 NR 570, Sec 3

Table 3 : Survey and certification of pressure vessels other than mentioned in Tab 2

Survey rating
Certificate
Pressure vessels
type
A1 A2 A3
Vessels for noxious liquids X C and W
Vessels for liquids with temperature above X C and W
Pressure vessels for liquids 220°C
and gases other than men-
tioned in Tab 2 Vessels for compressed gases X C and W
Vessels for liquids with a flashpoint below X C and W
100°C
Other pressure vessels X W

Table 4 : Survey and certification of piping and valves other than mentioned in Tab 2

Survey rating
Certificate
Piping, valves and flanges
type
A1 A2 A3
Design temperature above 400°C X C and W
Thickness above 25 mm X C and W
Piping Pipes associated with A1 or A2 rated equip- X C and W
ment
Other X W
Non-standard flanges for A1 or A2 rated X C and W
Flanges equipment
Other X W
Valves of welded construction with ANSi X C and W
rating more than 600 lbs
Valves
Other valves complying with recognized X W
standards

3 Inspections at works and during
installation
3.1 Inspections at works
3.1.1 General
Inspections at works include inspections during manufac-
ture and inspections and tests before delivery.
3.1.2 Checklist
Inspections at works include, but are not limited to, the fol-
lowing items:
• confirmation that the process used at the fabrication of
drilling equipment and components has and maintain
an effective quality control plan covering the design,
procurement, manufacturing and testing
• welders qualification is to be verified or confirmed by
the surveyor
• welding procedure specification and corresponding
weld procedure qualification records are to be reviewed
• material certificates and relevant documentation are to
be verified
• check of fit-up prior to major weldments
• check of final weldments
• review of records of post-weld heat treatments, in par-
ticular for piping subject to pressurized sour service and
to the requirements of NACE MR0175/ISO 15156
• witnessing of non-destructive examinations of welds
and review of records of non-destructive examinations
• verification of final geometry and dimensions, to be in
accordance with the approved drawings
• verification of compliance with specified tolerances
• verification of alignment of mating surface, to be in
compliance with specified requirements or standards
• witnessing of pressure or proof-load tests
• witnessing of final testing and functional testing of sub-
assemblies and completed units
• check that all pressurized systems, consoles and control
panels are in accordance with the approved design
• additional inspections as agreed between parties.
3.2 Inspections during installation
3.2.1 Inspections during installation include, but are not
limited to, the following items:
• examination of drawings and test programme of drilling
equipment
• visual examination of piping

April 2013 Bureau Veritas 25

NR 570, Sec 3

• witnessing of non-destructive examinations and tests, • check of continuity and proper workmanship of electri-
when relevant cal wires and connections
• test of pressure relief arrangements and safety valves • check of available measurement records.
• pressure test of choke and kill system at rated working
pressure
4 Materials and welding
• low pressure test of choke and kill system at 300 psi and
performance test
• operation test of drilling pump 4.1 General
• performance test of drawworks and associated equip-
4.1.1 Material and welding is to be in accordance with the
ment
requirements of NR216 “Material and welding”.
• load-test of lifting appliances
• test of mobile framework of the derrick and check of 4.1.2 Specific provisions relating to material and welding
locking devices from standards specified for the certification of drilling
• test of control systems and shutdowns equipment are to be taken into account.

26 Bureau Veritas April 2013

 NR 570, Sec 4

SECTION 4 IN-SERVICE SURVEY

1 General 1.4.3 For items inspected under continuous survey system,

the following requirements generally apply:

1.1 Application • the interval between two consecutive surveys of each

item is not to exceed five years

1.1.1 The present section provides requirements for in-ser-
vice surveys relating to equipment covered by the addi-
tional class notation DRILL, as defined in Sec 1.
1.1.2 In general, in-service surveys are based on the provi-
sions of Pt A, Ch 2 of the Offshore Rules.
Note 1: A specific section for in-service surveys of drilling units is
given in Pt A, Ch 2, Sec 5 of the Offshore Rules, which refer to the
requirements of the present section in case of additional class nota-
tion DRILL.
• the items are to be surveyed in rotation, so far as practi-
cable, ensuring that approximately equivalent portions
are examined each year
• the Society may credit for continuous survey results of
inspections carried out before the admission to the con-
tinuous survey scheme
• each item is to be surveyed at one time, as far as practi-
cable; the Society may, however, allow possible repair
work to be carried out within a certain period.

1.4.4 The continuous survey system does not supersede the

1.2 Periodicity annual surveys and other occasional surveys.

1.2.1 General 1.4.5 The continuous survey system may be discontinued

at any time at the discretion of the Society, or at the request
Drilling equipment are to be subjected to the following of the Owner.
types of in-service surveys:

• annual surveys 1.5 Risk Based Inspection Plan

• class renewal surveys
• occasional surveys for damage, repairs, reactivation and
alterations.
Detailed requirements about general principles of survey
and about survey types, their extension and general proce-
dure, are given in Pt A, Ch 2, Sec 1 of the Offshore Rules.
1.5.1 A proper Risk Based Inspection/Maintenance may be
accepted by the Society as an equivalent of continuous sur-
vey system. The plan is to be submitted to, reviewed and
accepted by the Society.
2 Surveys of drilling systems

2.1 Onshore surveys, modifications and

1.3 Normal survey system repairs

1.3.1 Requirements for class renewal survey under normal 2.1.1 The Owner is to inform the Society about any equip-
survey system (SS) are given in Pt A, Ch 2, Sec 1, [3.2] of the ment or part of equipment which is returned onshore for
Offshore Rules. modifications, repair or maintenance.

1.4 Continuous survey system (CS)
1.4.1 The request of the Owner for admission to the contin-
uous survey system will be considered by the Society and
agreement depends on the type and age of concerned
equipment. This system may apply to class renewal survey
of drilling plant (CSD).
1.4.2 A list of items to be inspected under continuous sur-
vey system is to be provided. This list will be attached to the
Certificate of Classification.
2.1.2 After modifications, repair or maintenance, the
equipment is to be tested onshore in accordance with rele-
vant specified standards. A surveyor of the Society will
attend function tests, load tests or pressure tests carried out
on drilling equipment prior to their release for offshore.
2.1.3 A release statement will be issued upon satisfactory
completion of tests and visual examination, subject to satis-
factory installation onboard the drilling unit and examina-
tion during the forthcoming class survey. The release
statement is to be maintained onboard the drilling unit for
verification during classification surveys.

April 2013 Bureau Veritas 27

NR 570, Sec 4
2.2 Annual surveys
2.2.1 The requirements of the present sub-article are to be
considered as a minimum for annual surveys. Additional
examination and/or testing may be required at the satisfac-
tion of the attending surveyor.
2.2.2 The review of Owner’s maintenance manual and rel-
evant logs and records is to be carried out. The purpose is to
ensure that:
• periodical testing of the equipment has been carried out
in accordance with relevant standards
• eventual repair, maintenance or replacement of equip-
ment or components are done in accordance with
applicable standards
• overall, a suitable maintenance program has been fol-
lowed.
2.2.3 The review of release statements since the previous
class survey is to be carried out. Concerned equipment is to
be inspected at the satisfaction of the surveyor.
2.2.4 General external examination of drilling systems is to
be carried out, as far as accessible, in order to identify even-
tual damages, excessive corrosion, fracturing of malfunc-
tions.
2.2.5 Visual inspections of external surfaces of derrick,
flare booms, pipe racks, and their foundations to the hull
are to be carried out. The following items are to be consid-
ered:
• investigation of structural elements condition with iden-
tification of missing, bent or abraded parts and lost of
corrosion protection
• investigation of general condition of wire ropes and fit-
tings, following the provisions of API RP 2D.
2.2.6 At the drill floor and well testing area, the following
items are to be examinated:
• fire extinguishing/deluge systems
• alarms and warnings
• release arrangements.
It is to be verified that all items are at their location and in
the correct number, and their condition is to be inspected.
2.2.7 The availability of eye wash station and emergency
showers in the proximity of the mud mixing area is to be
checked.
2.2.8 Alarm activation in manned control rooms due to
loss of pressurization of high pressure equipment is to be
checked, as far as practicable.
28
2.2.9 General visual examination of pressure vessels and
their appurtenances is to be carried out. The examination is
to include:
• safety devices
• foundations
• piping systems and flexible lines
• insulation and gauges.
Eventual damages and excessive corrosion are to be identi-
fied.
2.2.10 A review of records of inspection and testing of
safety valves and safety shutdown devices is to be carried
out. Examination of these items is to be performed.
2.2.11 The condition of hot surfaces insulation is to be
checked.
2.2.12 Visual examination is to be performed for derrick
hoisting equipment, and in particular for:
• sheaves
• crown block and support beams
• travelling block including guide track and dolly
• drilling hook and links.
2.2.13 Visual examination of base-mounted winches and
drawworks structure including foundation is to be per-
formed. Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) may be
requested by the surveyor.
2.2.14 In general, the investigation of general condition of
wire ropes and fittings of hoisting equipment is to be per-
formed based on the provisions of API RP 2D.
2.2.15 Visual examination of mud system si to be per-
formed. This examination is to include:
• mud tanks
• mud related piping
• mud pumps
• shale shakers
• safety valves
• degasser including piping to burners or to ventilators.
Internal examination of mud system components is to be
carried out as far as practicable.
2.2.16 Visual examination of dry products storage tanks or
silos and related piping is to be carried out. Internal exami-
nation is to be performed as far as practicable.
2.2.17 Heave compensation system, including its compo-
nents, is to be visually examinated. The following compo-
nents are to be included:
• compensators
• accumulators
• air compressor and air dryer
• other pressure equipment
• wire ropes
• sheaves
• control panels.
Bureau Veritas April 2013

2.2.18 Marine riser tensioning system, including its compo-
nents, is to be visually examinated.
2.2.19 Visual examination of cementing equipment is to be
performed. This examination is to include:
• pumps
• prime movers
• relevant piping
• safety valves.
Internal examination of equipment is to be performed as far
as accessible.
The record of maintenance and testing relating to cement
manifold and safety valves is to be provided during the visit
and checked by the surveyor.
2.2.20 Well test equipment and relevant piping are to be
visually examinated. Internal examination is to be per-
formed as far as practicable.
Oil tanks used for well testing purpose are to be internally
inspected, based on the relevant provisions of Pt A, Ch 2 of
the Offshore Rules.
Visual examination of flare boom and burners is also to be
performed.
2.2.21 The structure of pipe racks and the pipe handling
equipment are to be visually examinated. A particular atten-
tion is to be given to the connections of the equipment to
the hull.
2.2.22 Blow-Out Preventer (BOP) test log and maintenance
records are to be provided at the visit and examinated by
the Surveyor. The review is to be done in accordance with
relevant requirements of API RP 53.
2.2.23 Visual examination of BOP is to be performed. The
examination is to include:
• BOP main structure
• rams
• annular
• clamps and test stump
• connectors with LMRP and wellhead
• accumulators for subsea stack
• control panels and other control devices.
Internal examination of components is to be performed as
far as practicable.
April 2013 Bureau Veritas
NR 570, Sec 4
2.2.24 Visual examination of BOP control unit (Koomey
unit) is to be performed.
2.2.25 Visual examination of BOP handling system is to be
performed. The examination is to include the power unit
and its controls, lifting devices, flexible hoses and piping,
accumulators.
2.2.26 Records of tests and inspections of choke and kill
equipment are to be examined. Visual examinations of
manifolds, choke and kill lines and valves are to be carried
out.
2.2.27 Visual examination of diverter system is to be per-
formed. the examination is to include the house, annular
valve, pipings and their valves and the control panel.
2.2.28 Testing of well control system including the BOP is
to be performed in accordance with the requirements of API
RP 53. The following items are to be included:
• pressure and functional testing
• control system testing
• pressure testing in the case of each shear ram activation.
2.3 Class renewal surveys
2.3.1 Class renewal surveys are to include all examination
and testings specified in [2.2] for annual surveys. In addi-
tion, the following is to be carried out at the satisfaction of
the surveyor:
• hydrostatic testing of pressure vessels and other pressure
retaining components to their working pressure
• hydrostatic testing of piping and flexible hoses at their
working pressure
• complete performance test of the BOP, as per API RP 53
• functional testing of derrick gear
• functional testing of drilling hoisting equipment and lift-
ing devices
• close inspection of welded joints on the derrick and
racks, with eventual non-destructive testing of any sus-
pect area, at the satisfaction of the surveyor
• functional test of the emergency power equipment of
the drilling plant
• internal examination and thickness gauging of pressure
vessels and pressure retaining components, at the satis-
faction of the surveyor
• testing of relief valves when considered necessary by the
surveyor.
29
NR 570, Sec 4

30 Bureau Veritas April 2013